Deciding what happens to the house takes time — and while it does, insurers treat it as unoccupied. Regular documented inspections keep the cover valid and the home protected.
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Why these homes need attention
This is often a long limbo: the home may be sold, rented out or kept for a possible return. Meanwhile it's empty, usually still furnished, and cover conditions have quietly changed.
Cover changes after 30–60 days
Once the resident has moved out, most standard home policies restrict cover for theft, water damage and vandalism after 30–60 days of unoccupancy. Specialist cover — with inspection conditions — is usually needed.
Small faults become big damage
An older home with older plumbing and wiring, no longer heated and checked daily, is exactly where a small leak or fault grows unnoticed into major damage.
Family decisions take time
Selling, renting or keeping the home can involve the whole family, financial assessments and emotional weight. The empty months add up — and the insurance obligation runs throughout.
How Inspection Record helps families
Share the responsibility
Whoever visits — you, a sibling, a trusted neighbour — the schedule and reminders keep the routine going even when life is busy.
Photos reassure everyone
Each visit's photos show the home is secure and sound. Family members who live far away can see it for themselves.
A record for the insurer
Dated, photo-backed entries compile into a formal record that satisfies the unoccupied policy's inspection condition.
Ready for whatever comes next
If the house is later sold or a claim arises, you have a complete condition history from the day it became empty.
What interval should you set?
Match the policy — 14 days is typical for unoccupied family homes, sometimes 7 in winter. If the home is still on a standard policy inside the 30–60 day window, starting the inspection routine immediately makes the transition to specialist cover seamless.
What insurers expect to see
Proof that someone responsible checked the property at the required interval: dates, checks done and photographic evidence. If a claim happens, the record shows the condition was met — protecting a home that may be central to funding care.
Common questions
Mum may return home — is the house still 'unoccupied'?
For most insurers, yes: what matters is whether anyone is living there now. Tell the insurer the situation honestly; the inspection condition will almost certainly apply while the house is empty.
Should we drain the water or leave the heating on?
Policies commonly require either the water turned off and drained, or the heating kept at a minimum temperature in winter. Check the policy wording — and photograph the stopcock and thermostat on each visit as evidence.
Can several family members share the inspections?
Yes — the schedule doesn't care who attends. Agree a rota, and every visit is logged in the same record with the same reminders.
One less thing to carry
Reminders, photo logs and an insurer-ready record — so the family home stays protected while decisions are made.
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